Chapter 17.17 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following definitions govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this chapter. Undefined words and phrases and have the same meaning as set forth in this code or in applicable law.

"Primary dwelling" means a residential structure on a single parcel with provisions for living, sleeping, eating, a single kitchen for cooking, and sanitation facilities. Where more than one residential structure exists on a lot, the "primary dwelling" will either be the residential structure that was first issued a valid certificate of occupancy, or, when applicable, the largest residential structure on the lot.

"Tandem parking" means two or more automobiles parked in a line, one behind the other. (Ord. 1443, 4/28/2025)

• A. The Building Official will not issue a final certificate of occupancy for an Accessory Dwelling Unit ("ADU") or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit ("JADU") before the Building Official issues a final certificate of occupancy for the primary dwelling(s). Before the Building Official issues any final certificate of occupancy for an ADU and/or JADU, the property owner must record with the County Recorder a covenant, in a form approved by the City Attorney, satisfying applicable law, including this section.

• B. ADU may not be used in violation of this code, and any rental of the ADU must be for a term of 30 days or longer;

• C. JADU must include the following:

  1. The JADU may not be sold separately;

  2. The JADU has size and attribute restrictions required by this code;

  3. The property owner must occupy either the single-family residence in which the JADU is permitted, or the newly created JADU.

4. The JADU cannot be rented for any period less than 30 days. (Ord. 1443, 4/28/2025)

Any ADU or JADU that includes a separate entrance from the main entrance of the Primary Dwelling, or will be improved with a new or separate utility connection directly between the unit and the utility, must submit an application for an address number. Address numbers will be determined by the Director pursuant to the procedures outlined in this code. Address numbers must be placed over the entrance to the ADU or JADU or on some other place where the number will be visible from the public right-of-way. When required by the Director, address identification must be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. (Ord. 1443, 4/28/2025)

• A. Except as provided in California law, all ADUs are subject to development impact fees proportional to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit in accordance with this code.

• B. Except as provided by California law, each ADU must install a separate utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility, which is subject to a connection fee or capacity charge.

• C. The City may charge reasonable inspection and construction fees for inspections and for all required permits. The fees will be established by City Council resolution and be assessed on the property owner.

• D. An ADU will not be considered a new residential use for purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, unless the ADU is constructed simultaneously with a new primary single-family dwelling.

• (Ord. 1443, 4/28/2025)

An accessory dwelling unit, whether attached or detached, may not exceed 1,200 square feet in gross area.

(Ord. 1444, 5/12/2025; Ord. 1446, 5/27/2025)